Page 91 of Last First Date

I made my way back to Knox with his coffee in hand. “Thank you,” he said. “I guess maybe I was running a little low.”

“I know you were.”

“I appreciate you looking out for me.”

“We’re a team,” I reminded him.

“Waverly, take the rest of the day off,” he said.

“What?” I gasped in surprise. Was I being fired?

“Everything is handled here,” he said, shrugging. “There’s nothing more to do. Get ready for the event. You deserve it.”

I blinked, momentarily surprised. I had expected to be involved in the behind-the-scenes support, not attending as a guest. Panic fluttered in my chest as I realized I had nothing to wear for such a high-profile occasion.

“I can’t just attend as a guest,” I protested, my mind racing.

Knox grinned, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “You’re not just attending as a guest. You’re a key part of this whole thing. Go, enjoy, and let yourself be celebrated. You were a hit on the runway, and everyone wants to meet you.”

I groaned. “No pressure.”

“It’s fine,” he said.

Of course, he would say it was fine. He just had to put on a tux and show up. I didn’t have a dress. I didn’t know how I was going to find a dress that fit in a matter of hours. Panic was making me feel twitchy.

“I don’t know,” I said. “If I can’t find a dress, I’m going to have to bow out. I do not want to be humiliated by showing up in the same gown I wore at the other party.”

“Just go up to your room,” he said with a smile. “Take a minute.”

“Fine,” I said, sighing. “Thanks.”

I left the bustling ballroom and headed up to my room with the weight of the world on my shoulders. I didn’t want to disappoint the man. Or anyone. I had to find a dress. I prayed that the size of the city guaranteed I could find a dress on such short notice.

When I walked into my hotel room, I found a stunning red dress carefully laid out, the fabric flowing like liquid fire. It was a breathtaking work of beauty that spoke of elegance and sophistication. A card sat on top of the dress. I reached for it, already knowing where the dress came from but wanting to confirm it.

The card simply read, Be My Valentine. There was a card with an appointment for hair and makeup in the hotel spa. The card was signed with Knox’s name and nothing more. Warmth spread through me. Tears welled up in my eyes as I touched the fine fabric, my heart pounding. It was a stunning gesture from Knox, one that had managed to take care of my worries and also leave me breathless. I wasn’t sure what kind of game he was playing at. His motives remained as obscure as his emotions, but at that moment, I felt cherished.

There was a gentle knock on the door, pulling me out of my reverie. My heart skipped a beat as I walked across the room and opened the door. It was Lia, the hotel’s concierge.

“I hope you don’t mind,” she said, smiling. “Mr. Williams has taken the liberty of organizing everything for you. Here are your accessories.” She held out a box.

“Thank you, Lia,” I said, taking the box from her.

“I’ve also been instructed to tell you your spa day starts now.”

“I’ll be right down,” I said, smiling.

I closed the door and opened the box. Inside lay a set of ruby earrings and a matching necklace, their vibrant color complementing the dress perfectly. I sat on my bed, staring at everything that had been so thoughtfully prepared for me. It was easily one of the best gifts anyone had ever given me. It was thoughtful and made me feel treasured.

I grabbed the appointment card and headed down to the salon, still in a daze, still not comprehending the gravity of the whole situation. As I moved down the carpeted hallway, my thoughts were a whirlpool of emotions. I was nervous, excited, and confused all at once. This was not just about attending an event. It was about Knox and how he saw me.

The salon was quietly bustling with stylists and clients, and the faint scent of hair products and soothing music filled the air as I walked in. A smiling woman approached me.

“Miss Waverly?” she asked.

I nodded. “That’s me.”

“Your appointment is ready. Please, follow me.”